Pitching Training Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus are described for training the pitching motion to aid pitchers with target line awareness, head movement, balance, mechanics, and a repeatable delivery using a light weight and portable component pieces which may be assembled to define a pitching rubber assembly for controlling selected pitch delivery motions, a home plate assembly for defining a target area, and stride length adjusters that may be slidably engaged with the pitching rubber assembly to provide an adjustable stride length.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/419,151, filed Dec. 2, 2010, entitled “Pitching Training Apparatus.” U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/419,151 includes exemplary devices, systems and methods and is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed in general to sports training devices. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a pitching training device used for strengthening throwing, such as pitching and passing, or other sports related body movements.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various sports motions such as pitching, throwing, and passing, generally involve propelling a projectile toward a target. The skill of the trainee seeking to improve such sports motions and to prevent or minimize the risk of injury generally includes training to improve body strength, balance, speed of movement, and control/coordination of movement. While there are various sports training devices available, there are drawbacks associated with the cost, complexity, and/or efficacy of such devices.

Accordingly, a need exists for an improved sports training device, system and method of operation that addresses various problems in the art where various limitations and disadvantages of conventional solutions and technologies will become apparent to one of skill in the art after reviewing the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings and detailed description which follow, though it should be understood that this description of the related art section is not intended to serve as an admission that the described subject matter is prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be understood, and its numerous objects, features and advantages obtained, when the following detailed description is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a first pitching training apparatus in accordance with selected embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pitching training apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second pitching training apparatus in accordance with selected embodiments; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third pitching training apparatus in accordance with selected embodiments.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to other elements for purposes of promoting and improving clarity and understanding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method and apparatus are described for training the pitching motion to aid pitchers with target line awareness, head movement, balance, mechanics, and a repeatable delivery. In selected example embodiments, a pitching training apparatus may be implemented as a light weight and portable assembly of component pieces that may be easily and quickly installed to define a work tunnel to guide the pitch delivery toward the target. In selected embodiments, the disclosed pitching training device includes a pitching rubber assembly which defines and controls selected pitch delivery motions, a home plate assembly which defines a target area, and stride length adjusters that may be slidably engaged with the pitching rubber assembly.

Various illustrative embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures which illustrate different views of a pitching training apparatus. It should be appreciated that the pitching training apparatus may be formed with different dimensions, materials and/or shapes than set forth herein. While various details are set forth in the following description, it will be appreciated that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details, and that numerous implementation-specific decisions may be made to the invention described herein to achieve the device designer's specific goals, such as compliance with process technology or design-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. While such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, it would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. For example, selected aspects are depicted with reference to simplified plan and perspective views of a pitching training apparatus without including every device feature or geometry in order to avoid limiting or obscuring the present invention. Such descriptions and representations are used by those skilled in the art to describe and convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-2, there is illustrated selected embodiments of a pitching training apparatus, such as a baseball/softball pitching training device designed to aid pitchers with target line awareness, head movement, balance, mechanics, and a repeatable delivery. As illustrated in the top or plan view shown in FIG. 1, the pitching training apparatus 1 is positioned and placed to create a work tunnel for the pitcher that reduces a pitching area from, for example, the width of the pitching rubber, to the width of home plate.

In the pitching training apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, the following component parts are identified—a pitching rubber assembly 10, a home plate assembly 20, and a slide length adjuster assembly 30. Each of the component assemblies may be vacuum formed in heavy duty, black plastic, though any desired material and/or fabrication technique may be used to form the component assemblies. When formed with plastic materials, the pitching training apparatus 1 is a light weight and portable device, and may have a total weight of approximately six pounds or less.

Illustrative Embodiment of the Pitching Rubber Assembly Piece 10

In selected embodiments, the pitching rubber assembly 10 is a one piece assembly that includes a back strip 11 having predetermined dimensions (e.g., 37.5-40 inches long and 2.5 inches wide) which is provided to place or locate a pitching rubber. For example, a white stripe corresponding to the length of a pitching rubber (e.g., 24 inches) may be painted on a centered position of the pitching rubber strip 11 to align the pitching rubber over, behind or in front of the pitching rubber strip 11. Extending perpendicularly on each side from the outside edges of the pitching rubber strip 11 are two right angle rocker step restriction pieces 12-13, 15-16. Each right angle rocker step restriction piece has a predetermined height (e.g., 4.5 inches), and includes a first piece (e.g., 12) extending perpendicularly from the outside edge of the pitching rubber strip 11 by a predetermined distance (e.g., 11.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide) and a second piece (e.g., 13) extending inwardly at a perpendicular angle from the first piece (e.g., 12) by a predetermined distance (e.g., 4.75 inches long and 1.5 inches wide). Extending from the inside edges of the rocker step restriction pieces 13, 16 are two tunnel rail extensions 14, 17, respectively. Each tunnel rail extension has predetermined dimensions (e.g., 26.5-31 inches long, 4.5 inches high, and 1.5 inches wide), though other device dimensions may be used. The inside edges of the tunnel rail extensions 14, 17 closest to the pitching rubber strip are spaced apart by a first relatively wide distance (e.g., 24 inches apart), and the spacing between the tunnel rail extensions 14, 17 begins to reduce down to a second relatively narrow distance (e.g., 17 inches apart) for connection to the home plate assembly 20 as described herein. As depicted, the total length of the pitching rubber assembly 10 is approximately 38-40 inches.

Illustrative Embodiment of the Home Plate Assembly 20

In selected embodiments, the home plate assembly 20 is provided as a direction finding or aiming mechanism for the pitching motion. The home plate assembly 20 may include a first home plate piece 21 that is provided to directionally locate the home plate, and may have having standard home plate dimensions (e.g., a five-sided shape having a 17 inch base with two 8 inch base sides and two 12 inch top sides cut to a top point). Extending from the outside edges of home plate piece 21, beginning at the center of the base sides, are two tunnel rails 22, 23 having predetermined dimensions (e.g., 30 inches long, 4.5 inches high, and 1.75 inches wide). The tunnel rails 22, 23 are shown as being spaced apart at the outside edges of home plate piece 21 and gradually expanding to meet the tunnel rail extensions 14, 17 extending from the pitching rubber assembly 10. As depicted, the total length of the home plate assembly 20 is approximately 37.5-42 inches.

Illustrative Embodiment of the Stride Length Adjuster Assembly 30

In selected embodiments, the stride length adjuster assembly 30 includes two separate pieces 31, 32, each having a predetermined dimensions (e.g., 37.5-40 inches long, 4.5 inches high, and 1.75 inches wide). The stride length adjuster pieces 31, 32 are designed to slide over the tunnel rail extensions 14, 17 and the tunnel rails 22, 23 to create a single work tunnel. By virtue of being slidably engaged, the stride length adjuster pieces 31, 32 may be positioned to set different stride lengths (e.g., 6 feet, 6.5 feet, 7 feet, or 7.5 feet). As will be appreciated, any desired connection mechanism may be used to releasably attach the stride length adjuster pieces 31, 32 to the pitching rubber assembly 10 and home plate assembly 20.

Though described herein with reference to various example dimensions, it will be appreciated that the pitching rubber assembly 10, home plate assembly 20, and stride length adjuster assembly 30 may be formed to dimensions and using other materials and connection mechanisms. This flexibility in the physical construction and arrangement of the assembly components is implied in FIG. 2 which provides a perspective view of the pitching training apparatus of FIG. 1, but without specifically enumerated dimensional measurements. In addition, FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a second pitching training apparatus 300 in accordance with selected embodiments wherein different dimensions, materials and connection mechanisms are used. Though depicted in an unassembled form, the pitching training apparatus 300 may be assembled to create a pitching path for the pitcher that reduces a pitching area from the width of the pitching rubber (PRW) to the width of home plate (HPW) to aid pitchers with target line awareness, head movement, balance, mechanics, and a repeatable delivery.

In the pitching training apparatus 300, each of the depicted component—a pitching rubber assembly 310, a home plate assembly 320, and a slide length adjuster assembly 330—may be formed with metal strips or segments having a limited height or thickness (e.g., ⅛ of an inch), where the strips or segments may be connected using any desired connection mechanism, including but not limited to welding, bolts and screws, locking pins, hinges, and the like. When formed with metal strips or segments, the pitching training apparatus 300 is a durable, light weight and portable device that can be readily disassembled or folded and shipped for movement to another location for reassembly.

As depicted, the pitching rubber assembly 310 may be formed as a three-piece assembly, including a first rocker step restriction segment 311 and a second rocker step restriction segment 312 that are connected together by a pitching rubber connection segment 313. Each of the first and second rocker step restriction segments (e.g., 312) includes a back strip 312 b having predetermined dimensions (e.g., 18 inches long, 1.5 inches wide and ⅛ inch thick). On an interior end of the back strip 312 b, there is formed one or more connection mechanisms (e.g., bolt holes) and a first extension segment 312 a that extends a predetermined distance (e.g., 3 inches) from the back strip 312 b and is used to align the pitching rubber assembly 310 with the pitching rubber when finally assembled. On the other end of the back strip 312 b, there is formed a right angle rocker step restriction segment 312 c having predetermined dimensions (e.g., 24 inches long, 1.5 inches wide and ⅛ inch thick). In addition, and second right angle rocker step restriction segment 312 d extends inwardly at a perpendicular angle from the first right angle rocker step restriction segment 312 c by a predetermined distance (e.g., 18 inches long). By controlling the lateral extent of the rocker step restriction segments 312 b, 312 d, the side-to-side motion of the pitching delivery is restrained. Extending from the inside edges of the second right angle rocker step restriction segment 312 d is a tunnel rail extension segment 312 e having predetermined dimensions (e.g., 12.5 inches long, 1.5 inches wide and ⅛ inch thick). On the distal end of the tunnel rail extension segment 312 e, there is formed one or more connection mechanisms (e.g., bolt holes) that are used to align and connect the pitching rubber assembly 310 with the slide length adjuster assembly 330 when finally assembled. To connect the first and second rocker step restriction segments 311, 312, the pitching rubber connection segment 313 is formed at predetermined dimensions (e.g., 36 inches long, 1.5 inches wide and ⅛ inch thick) to include on each end one or more connection mechanisms (e.g., bolt holes) that are used to align and assemble the pitching rubber assembly 310. As finally formed, the pitching rubber assembly 310 defines a pitching area having a specified pitching area depth (PAD) and pitching area width (PAW) with extension segments to demarcate the pitching rubber width (PRW) where the pitching rubber may be located. Front to back, the pitching rubber assembly 310 may have a total depth (e.g., 36.5 inches), though other device dimensions may be used. By keeping the thickness of the pitching rubber assembly 310 to a minimum, potential injuries are avoided while retaining the instructive benefits of providing a virtual work tunnel for the pitcher.

The depicted home plate assembly 320 is provided as a direction finding or aiming mechanism for the pitching motion, and may be formed integrally as a single piece or by connecting one or more component parts 321-323. For example, a first home plate piece 321 having predetermined dimensions (e.g., a seven-sided shape having a 27×8.5 inch base with a centered triangle portion having a 17 inch base and 8.5 inch length) may be fixedly attached to first and second tunnel rail segments 322, 323 having predetermined dimensions (e.g., 36.5 inches long, 1.5 inches wide, and ⅛ inch thick) which extend away from the home plate piece 321. The tunnel rail segments 322, 323 are shown as being spaced apart by the home plate width (HPW), though the spacing may change as desired. On the distal end of the tunnel rail segments 322, 323, there is formed one or more connection mechanisms (e.g., bolt holes) that are used to align and connect the home plate assembly 320 with the slide length adjuster assembly 330 when finally assembled. Front to back, the home plate assembly 320 may have a total depth (e.g., 53.5 inches), though other device dimensions may be used.

The depicted stride length adjuster assembly 330 includes two separate segments 331, 332, each having a predetermined dimensions (e.g., 30 inches long, 1.5 inches wide, and ⅛ inch thick). On the distal end of the segments 331, 332, there is formed one or more connection mechanisms (e.g., bolt holes) that are used to align and connect the slide length adjuster assembly 330 to the home plate assembly 320 and the pitching rubber assembly 310 when finally assembled. By providing multiple different or flexible connection mechanisms, the stride length adjuster assembly 330 may be positioned to create a virtual pitching tunnel having any desired stride lengths (e.g., 6.5 feet or 7 feet).

In operation, the pitching training apparatus embodiments described herein may be used to developing a solid, repeatable pitch delivery by teaching target line awareness, repeatable delivery, and balance from start to finish. By positioning the pitcher inside the pitching area of the pitching rubber assembly and confining the pitching motion within the virtual pitching tunnel, the pitcher is provided with instant feedback to reduce head movement and improve balance skills which help improve pitching accuracy. In addition, the pitching training apparatus teaches the pitcher how to create target consistency by keeping the front side within the width of home plate, how to develop the proper progression of the pitching delivery, how to improve balance through the delivery, and how to repeat the delivery automatically without mechanical thoughts. With its flexible configuration, the pitching training apparatus may be used for both baseball and softball by any age pitcher, is adjustable to any stride length, and can be used on a mound or flat ground.

In other embodiments, the pitching training device may be provided as a single integral structure which may be folded or collapsed into a more compact arrangement suitable for movement or shipping. An example is shown in FIG. 4 which provides a perspective view of a third pitching training apparatus 400 which includes a pitching rubber section 410, a home plate section 420, and stride length section 430 which are formed as a single integral structure, such as by soldering or otherwise affixing metal strips or segments together which include a plurality of folding or hinge connection structures 401-408 formed in the metal strips or segments to enable the pitching training apparatus 400 to be folded into a compact configuration. Though depicted in a deployed confirmation, the pitching training apparatus 400 may be folded or collapsed about the hinge connection structures 401-408 such that the home plate section 420 folds around hinge connectors 401 and 408. In addition, the rocker step restriction strips from the pitching rubber section 410 fold around hinge connectors 403/404 and 405/406. Finally, the pitching rubber section 410 folds over the stride length section 430 around hinge connectors 402 and 407. Once unfolded into the deployed configuration, the pitching training apparatus 400 creates a pitching path for the pitcher that reduces a pitching area from the width of the pitching rubber (PRW) to the width of home plate (HPW) to aid pitchers with target line awareness, head movement, balance, mechanics, and a repeatable delivery.

By now it will be appreciated that there is discloses herein a pitching training device which includes a pitching rubber section having a back strip, first and second rocker step restriction strips, and a first pair of extension strips positioned to define a pitching area (e.g., approximately five feet by 24 inches). The pitching training device also includes a home plate section having a home plate piece shaped like a home plate and a second pair of extension strips extending from the home plate piece. Finally, the pitching training device includes a stride length connection section connecting the first pair of extension strips to the second pair of extension strips to define a pitching path with predetermined stride length. The stride length connection section may include first and second connectors configured for fixed engagement with the first pair of extension strips and the second pair of extension strips to define an adjustable stride length. One or more of the pitching rubber section, home plate section, and stride length connection section are formed with metal strips that are connected together by fastener devices, such as bolt connectors or solder. In selected embodiments, the pitching rubber section includes a pitching rubber strip formed with metal having predetermined dimensions (e.g., 36×1.5×⅛ inches), first and second rocker step restriction strips formed with metal having predetermined dimensions (e.g., approximately 1.5 inches wide and ⅛ inch thick) and connected to opposite ends of the back strip to define the pitching area, and first and second extension strips formed with metal and extending from the first and second rocker step restriction strips to define part of the pitching path having a width of approximately 24 inches. Each rocker step restriction strip may be formed with a back strip extending laterally by a first predetermined distance, a first extension segment extending perpendicularly by a second predetermined distance from one end of the back strip, a second extension segment extending perpendicularly by a third predetermined distance from an opposing end of the back strip, a third extension segment extending perpendicularly by the first predetermined distance from a distal end of the second extension segment, and a fourth extension segment extending perpendicularly by a fourth predetermined distance from a distal end of the third extension segment. In selected embodiments, the pitching rubber section, home plate section, and stride length connection section are formed with metal strips having bolt holes enabling the pitching rubber section, home plate section, and stride length connection section to be connected together by bolt fastening devices. In other embodiments, the pitching training device is formed as a single structure having a plurality of hinged connectors formed in one or more of the pitching rubber section, home plate section, or stride length connection section to enable the pitching training device to be folded into a compact configuration. In the deployed configuration, the pitching rubber assembly, home plate assembly, and stride length connection assembly are assembled for placement of the pitching rubber assembly adjacent to a pitching rubber and the home plate assembly pointing to a home plate location.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that other variations and alternatives to the disclosed examples are also contemplated, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the example embodiments which illustrate inventive aspects of the present invention that are applicable to various pitcher training applications. For example, other materials and/or dimensions may be used to form and/or connect one or more of the assemblies. Thus, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law. Accordingly, the foregoing description is not intended to limit the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims so that those skilled in the art should understand that they can make various changes, substitutions and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. The term “coupled,” as used herein, is not intended to be limited to a direct coupling or a mechanical coupling. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. 

1. A pitching training device, comprising: a pitching rubber assembly comprising first and second rocker step restriction segments and a first pair of extension rails positioned and connected to define a pitching area; a home plate assembly comprising a home plate piece and a second pair of extension rails connected to and extending from the home plate piece; and a stride length connection assembly for connecting the first pair of extension rails to the second pair of extension rails to define a work tunnel area with predetermined stride length.
 2. The pitching training device of claim 1, where one or more of the pitching rubber assembly, home plate assembly, or stride length connection assembly are formed with a plastic material.
 3. The pitching training device of claim 1, where the pitching rubber assembly comprises: a back strip having a first width; first and second right angle rocker step restriction pieces extending from opposite ends of the back strip to define the pitching area; and first and second extension rails extending from the first and second right angle rocker step restriction pieces to define a work tunnel area having a second width that is narrower than the first width.
 4. The pitching training device of claim 1, where the pitching rubber assembly comprises: a back strip having a first width of less than 40 inches; first and second right angle rocker step restriction pieces extending orthogonally from opposite ends of the back strip to define the pitching area; and first and second extension rails extending from the first and second right angle rocker step restriction pieces to define a work tunnel area having a second width that is narrower than the first width.
 5. The pitching training device of claim 1, where the pitching rubber assembly comprises: a back strip that is formed with plastic and has a length of less than 40 inches, a width of approximately 1.5 inches, and a thickness of less than 2 inches; first and second right angle rocker step restriction pieces that that are formed with plastic and extend from opposite ends of the back strip to define the pitching area, where each right angle rocker step restriction piece has thickness of approximately 4 inches; and first and second extension rails that are formed with plastic and extend from the first and second right angle rocker step restriction pieces to define a work tunnel area having a width of approximately 24 inches.
 6. The pitching training device of claim 1, where the home plate piece has a width of substantially 17 inches.
 7. The pitching training device of claim 1, where the stride length connection assembly comprises first and second connectors configured for slidable engagement with the first pair of extension rails and the second pair of extension rails to define an adjustable stride length.
 8. The pitching training device of claim 1, where the stride length connection assembly comprises first and second connectors configured for slidable engagement with the first pair of extension rails and the second pair of extension rails.
 9. The pitching training device of claim 1, where the pitching rubber assembly, home plate assembly, and stride length connection assembly are assembled for placement of the pitching rubber assembly adjacent to a pitching rubber and the home plate assembly pointing to a home plate location.
 10. A pitching training device, comprising: a pitching rubber section comprising a back strip, first and second rocker step restriction strips, and a first pair of extension strips positioned to define a pitching area; a home plate section comprising a home plate piece and a second pair of extension strips extending from the home plate piece; and a stride length connection section connecting the first pair of extension strips to the second pair of extension strips to define a pitching path with predetermined stride length.
 11. The pitching training device of claim 10, where one or more of the pitching rubber section, home plate section, or stride length connection section are formed with metal strips.
 12. The pitching training device of claim 10, where the pitching rubber section, home plate section, and stride length connection section are formed with metal strips that are connected together by fastener devices.
 13. The pitching training device of claim 10, where the pitching rubber section comprises: a pitching rubber strip having a first width; first and second rocker step restriction strips connected to opposite ends of the back strip to define the pitching area; and first and second extension strips extending from the first and second rocker step restriction strips to define part of the pitching path.
 14. The pitching training device of claim 10, where the pitching rubber section comprises: a pitching rubber strip; and first and second rocker step restriction strips, each comprising: a back strip extending laterally by a first predetermined distance; a first extension segment extending perpendicularly by a second predetermined distance from one end of the back strip; a second extension segment extending perpendicularly by a third predetermined distance from an opposing end of the back strip; a third extension segment extending perpendicularly by the first predetermined distance from a distal end of the second extension segment; and a fourth extension segment extending perpendicularly by a fourth predetermined distance from a distal end of the third extension segment.
 15. The pitching training device of claim 10, where the pitching rubber section comprises: a pitching rubber strip that is formed with metal and has a length of approximately 36 inches, a width of approximately 1.5 inches, and a thickness of approximately ⅛ inch; first and second right angle rocker step restriction strips that that are formed with metal and extend from opposite ends of the pitching rubber strip to define the pitching area, where each right angle rocker step restriction strip has a width of approximately 1.5 inches and a thickness of approximately ⅛ inch; and first and second extension strips that are formed with metal and extend from the first and second right angle rocker step restriction strips to define a pitching path having a width of approximately 24 inches.
 16. The pitching training device of claim 10, where the home plate piece is shaped like a home plate.
 17. The pitching training device of claim 10, where the stride length connection section comprises first and second connectors configured for fixed engagement with the first pair of extension strips and the second pair of extension strips to define an adjustable stride length.
 18. The pitching training device of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of hinged connectors formed in one or more of the pitching rubber section, home plate section, or stride length connection section to enable the pitching training device to be folded into a compact configuration.
 19. The pitching training device of claim 10, where the pitching rubber section, home plate section, and stride length connection section are formed with metal strips having bolt holes enabling the pitching rubber section, home plate section, and stride length connection section to be connected together by bolt fastening devices.
 20. The pitching training device of claim 10, where the pitching rubber section defines a pitching area having a sideways dimension of approximately five feet and a lengthwise dimension of approximately 24 inches. 